First Lieutenant E. Lee Smith, Jr., received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in World War II. Mr. Smith, then a first lieutenant commanding a company of the 23rd Infantry, was granted the DSC for his extraordinary heroism against the enemy on 20 July 1944. In an attack on le Bois de la Roche, France, an entire company was stopped by a heavy artillery barrage. It was imperative that the left flank assault platoon, commanded by Lieutenant Smith, drive on regardless of casualties, or the entire company would suffer heavily. Withstanding this artillery shelling and constantly exposing himself to merciless machine gun and small arms fire, Lieutenant Smith moved among his men, encouraging them and urging them on. Despite heavy casualties, the platoon advanced upon the enemy, driving forward with inspired aggressiveness. During this drive, Lieutenant Smith was seriously wounded. Heedless of his own personal safety and disregarding his wound, he continued to display coolheaded, courageous leadership as he placed his remaining men in position. As the result of this daring drive by Lieutenant Smith and his platoon, the company was able to push on to their objective and only after reinforcements arrived would he permit himself to be evacuated to safety. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Lieutenant Smith reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Mr. Smith resides in Texas